‘Abu Said al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Whoever tries to have Sabr, Allah will give him Sabr, and no one is given a better or vaster gift than Sabr.’ (muwatta of maalik)
Of all the worldly gifts our Lord, Al Kareem, Al Barr bestows upon us, there is no gift more excellent and vaster than Sabr. Through it the believer remains firm in worship. By it the character of the believer is beautified. With it the trials and tribulations of the Aajilah are borne and from it the delights and bounties of the Aakhirah are bestowed. Allah confers this grand favor to His slaves who seek it, from amongst the Mukhlisoon, the Qaanitoon, distinguishing them with the honorable rank of being counted amongst the Saabiroon. A bestowal from Him to the hearts of those who desire and seek after it.
From the language the word Sabr means having patience and perseverance. In sharee’ah at times Sabr describes the state of being constant in performing an obligatory act or staying away from a forbidden act. Other times it describes the act of being patient during a calamity. So the meaning varies depending on the context it is used.
The Muslims are ever in need of Sabr, even more so during times of Fitan when calamities befall in succession and the righteous within the ummah are few. Some of us may begin acts of worship with great zeal then watch them dwindle and fade away with the passage of time. Others may repent from past sins only to return, being influenced by their undefeated desires and the environment around them. Others may lose patience over anything from a major calamity to a trifle annoyance caused by a loved one. Sabr is not something which can be neglected by any of us and its usage is needed throughout our lives, from the major events which befall us to the day to day worship and running of our homes. From our interactions with people to the joining and maintaining of family ties. Truly, no one is given a gift more excellent and vaster than Sabr.
Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah distributed spoils. Upon this a person said, ‘This is a distribution In which the pleasure of Allah has not been sought.’ I came to the Messenger of Allah and informed him in an undertone. He was deeply angry at this and his face became red till I wished that I had not made a mention of it to him. He then said, ‘Moses was tormented more than this, but he showed patience.’ (saheeh of Muslim)
One of the ways to understand the essence, feel and reality of Sabr is to remember the stories of the Prophets, along with their households and companions, and derive valuable lessons in how they displayed Sabr in different trying situations.
In the above hadeeth our Prophet (sallallaahualaihewasallam) was hurt when accused of being unjust in the distribution of spoils of war, while He was the one who had the most Taqwa of Allah. Although his face became red out of anger, he controlled himself, having Sabr at the first stroke. However he reminded himself of Sabr. This is a point which is frequently overlooked. Having Sabr begins with acknowledging the need for it at the first stroke of a calamity and striving to acquire it as emotions are controlled and restrained. Our Prophet (sallallaahualaihewasallam) remembered Sabr by reminding himself of his brother Musa amongst the prophets before him.
Narrated Umm Ruman, who was ‘Aisha’s mother, While I was with ‘Aisha, ‘Aisha got fever, whereupon the Prophet said, ‘Probably her fever is caused by the story related by the people’ I said, ‘Yes.’ Then ‘Aisha sat up and said, ‘My example and your example is similar to that of Yaqoob (Jacob) and his sons, ‘Nay, but your minds have made up a tale. So Sabr is most fitting. It is Allah Whose help is sought against that which you assert.’ (saheeh of bukhaari)
Another example of a trying calamity is the great fitnah which befell ‘Aisha, when people were spreading false rumors about her chastity through no fault of her own, and as a mighty trial from her Lord. Although she was greatly upset and fell ill, she had immense Sabr, restraining herself from unrighteous actions as she waited patiently for the decree of her Lord. ‘Aisha sought Sabr by remembering the story of Yaqoob, reminding herself how he was tested with the false news of the death of his beloved son Yusuf. She sought help with Allah upon pure tawheed, understanding the words of Yaqoob when he said, ‘WallahulMusta’aan.’
From the examples above we know our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahualaihewasallam) and his household sought Sabr by remembering the events which befell the noble Prophets of before. Although most of us are familiar with these stories, we should spend time studying specific events of their lives in detail, giving our study due time and reflection, softening our hearts to the feel, warmth and emotions which come with reading their stories. Most surely, Emaan in the Prophets necessitates Emaan in the events that occurred within their lives. All Praise be to Allah Who brought about these events by His Qadar, making them valuable lessons and signs for the believers amongst mankind.
Sabr in performing obligatory acts of worship
And indeed We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people and he remained amongst them for a thousand years save fifty, and the flood seized them while they were wrongdoers. And We saved him and the companions of the ship, and We made it a sign for the Aalameen.
(Quran 29:14-15 )
At times the word Sabr is associated with being steadfast and constant in fulfilling acts of religious obligation. When we read the story of Nuh we should remember how he remained patient, constant and steadfast for nine hundred and fifty years, fulfilling the commands of His Lord and calling the people to the worship of The Creator. He fulfilled whatever obligations Allah placed on him, never tiring in worship with the passage of nights and days, year after year, century after century. We should also remember how his companions remained constant in their devotion and worship despite being weak in power, few in number, residing amongst masses of transgressing people in an environment of disbelief and open rebellion. With hearts full of Love and Fear for Allah they tasted the sweetness of Emaan and felt the pleasure of worshipping Allah despite the numerous obstacles around them that neither attracted them nor distracted them from the worship of The Most High. Truly, they are examples to follow amongst the Saabiroon of early times.
When we look at our lives we should remember that Allah has not burdened us with religious commitments and obligations that are too heavy to bear. He has not asked much from us. He did not send the Quran to cause us distress, nor did He send the Prophet but as a mercy with a Sunna of ease and comfort. The daily prayers are five; the month of fasting is one; the payment of zakat is yearly; and the obligatory hajj is once during a lifetime. The fulfillment of the obligatory acts restores peace and balance in our lives, bringing a purer heart, a more noble character and a cleaner environment within our lives. If we organize our homes and establish the obligations within it, working together and reminding one another, our homes will be beautified and the religion will become easy, with household members living their lives actively amidst an environment of Islam. Similarly if we leave our homes in accordance with the mannerisms of Islam, from observing our modesty to fulfilling the rights of the streets and markets to the etiquettes of interacting with the people, then we can hope to be counted amongst the Saabiroon who were constant, consistent and steadfast in fulfilling their religious obligations. Even if we initially find it difficult, there is nothing but ease after every difficulty.
Sabr in keeping away from the prohibited acts
And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him. She closed the doors and said, ‘Come on, you.’ He said ‘The refuge of Allah. Indeed he is my master who has made good my living. Verily the wrongdoers will never succeed.’ And indeed she did desire him, and he would have inclined to her had he not seen the evidence of his Lord.
(Quran 12:23-24)
Similarly Sabr is also associated with the act of staying away from the prohibitions imposed on the believers. When we read the story of Yusuf (Joseph) we learn how the noble, righteous Prophet of Allah was tested in the prime of his life with a beautiful woman who wished to seduce him. The wife of Azeez not only had power and authority over him, but she was bold and actively enticed him behind close doors. Despite the evil whisperings of shaytaan, Yusuf restrained himself, having Taqwa of Allah and exercising Sabr, keeping away from the prohibited act out of fear, love, awe and shyness before Allah.
The house of the Muslimah is built well within the prohibited boundaries, upon a foundation of Tawheed and Taqwa, wherein those who protect themselves from the wrath and punishment of Allah reside. The environment is tranquil, flexible, clean and easy going so long as the prohibitions imposed by Allah are not violated. The home is neither built on Riba nor maintained by a haraam source of income. The money whereby the home is run is clean and sound. The food is halaal, the clothing is halaal, with the Muslims living according to their means with independence, contentment and richness of the heart. There is neither oppression nor harming. No filth or evil of any kind. There is neither unrestrained mixing between non Mahram family members and guests, nor carefree backbiting and slandering of fellow sisters in Islam. The home is safeguarded by repelling any hint of a prohibited act occurring and settling as a future norm. Truly, the Saabiroon are constantly cleaning and cleansing their homes. When they leave their homes they continue to exercise patience, being cautious and making sure they do not fall into the prohibited acts, with lowered gazes, careful speech, and hearts filled with the remembrance and awareness of ArRaqeeb.
Sabr during calamities
At times the word Sabr is used in context to a calamity which befalls a person. If the person remains patient during the calamity, restraining their self and enduring its hardship, then that person had Sabr with that particular event or situation.
No calamity befalls, but by the Leave of Allah and whosoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart. And Allah is the All Knower of everything.
(Quran 64:11)
Sabr is fuelled by the strength of our Emaan. We should know that every calamity that befalls us is decreed by Allah and contained within His Book of Decrees. What He decreed will happen. What He hasn’t decreed will never happen. Nothing can befall us except that which He has decreed for us. This is our Aqeedah and whoever believes as such, Allah turns their hearts towards Him, guiding them through their Emaan.
Anas bin Malik narrated that the Prophet said, ‘Verily, Sabr is at the first stroke of a calamity.’ (saheeh of bukhaari)
We should also know that Sabr begins with the first stroke of the calamity. Although shaytaan may make us forget, it is for us to remember that when we face a calamity, Sabr is immediately needed. Only then will we be able to truly restrain ourselves and endure the hardship in a manner befitting the believers and pleasing to Allah.
Allah mentions many calamities which may occur in our lives, in keeping with His perfect Knowledge, Wisdom and Decree, including fear, poverty, sickness, death of a loved one, and the fitnah brought upon by people.
The calamity of fear
And the companion of the fish (Jonah), when he went off in anger and thought that We would not decree upon him. And he called out within the darknesses, ‘There is none worthy of worship but You, Glorified are You, I am from the wrongdoers.’
(Quran 21:87)
In the Quran Allah mentions various calamities through which He tests the believers and amongst them is the fitnah of fear after being in a state of security. When we read the story of the righteous beloved Prophet Yunus we are reminded how Allah tested him with fear. After leaving his people prematurely out of anger for their disobedience, he embarked on a ship which later entered a violent storm. After drawing lots to determine who would be thrown off the ship as a means to ease its burden, he found himself within the raging waves of the ocean with darkness above him and the deep dark water beneath him. He saw the vastness of the ocean around him, hearing the sounds of its rushing waves and feeling the coldness of its freezing water. Allah then sent a large fish which engulfed him without harming his body, trapping him within the prison of its belly. He remained therein for as long as Allah willed amidst darkness, confinement and fear, supplicating to Allah, asking His forgiveness and having great Sabr until Allah brought ease and a return to the shore. Allah tested him and decreed fear for him after Yunus wronged himself by leaving his people who later believed and accepted the call to Islam. However Yunus turned to Allah in repentance and Allah turned with forgiveness, mercy and an honorable mention of being counted amongst the Saabiroon of those severely tested. May Allah have mercy on our beloved Prophet Yunus and accept our love for him, for we have more right upon him than those who frequently mention him amongst the people of the book.
None of us should be so bold to think that we are safe from the punishment of Allah. True love for Allah is accompanied by fear. We should fear the trials and tribulations that affect not particularly those who do wrong, for the righteous ones amongst this ummah are inflicted when disobedience and evil increase. None of us should feel confident of our ability to bear trials and tribulations nor is it Birr to expose ourselves to the Fitan when Allah’s earth is spacious. During our time numerous Muslim households within both Muslim and Non Muslim lands are suffering from the fitnah of fear and anxiety. The righteous amongst us are being affected along with the blameworthy ones. Homes may have been invaded with loss of privacy and honor. Household members may have been interrogated and tortured. Sisters may have been harassed on their way to the markets. Threatening letters and emails may have been delivered to innocent Muslims. Numerous occurrences may have occurred amidst a general climate of fear. Yet the Saabiroon continue with their lives, worshipping Allah devoutly while having patience with the calamities that are written well before they come into existence. If one calamity misses them, then another will inflict them in accordance with The Book of Decrees, until they meet their Lord. The believers acknowledge this and flee from the Fitan in search of places of refuge where they can establish the worship of Allah within the fortress of their homes amidst secure neighborhoods, ever in search of an environment of tranquillity, peace and safety.
The calamity of loss of health and wealth
And Ayyub (Job) when he called to his Lord, ‘Indeed harm has touched me, and You are The Most Merciful of those who show mercy.’
(Quran 21:83)
Another calamity which may befall us is the loss of health and wealth. The righteous Prophet Ayyub was tested with prolonged poverty after being wealthy and prolonged illness after being healthy. Allah tested him with these calamities for many years during which he was shunned by the people living amidst an environment of poverty and isolation. However despite this he continued to worship Allah and have Taqwa of Allah, exercising Sabr with his situation and submitting to the decree of his Lord. Despite losing his health, children and wealth his wife remained with him, helping him and comforting him when the people had deserted and thought badly of him. Truly there is no gift more precious than a righteous wife, even more so when it is one from amongst the AhlulBayt. Year after year Ayyub showed patience with his afflictions and year after year his wife stood by his side, until he supplicated to Allah for relief. Allah answered his supplication and removed his afflictions by restoring his health with increased beauty after instructing him to strike the ground and wash in the emerging spring water. Similarly Allah restored his wealth giving him increased riches with golden locusts falling from the sky. This is our beloved Prophet Ayyub whose life is a reminder and example for the Saabiroon.
The life of this world is far from being our Jannah, however much it may seem sweet and green. Within it Allah tests the believers with good and evil, with the angels recording how they react and cope. We may be inflicted with health problems from those that are mild lasting a few days or weeks, to those more severe and prolonged. Some illnesses may leave us dependent on others for activities of daily living. Others amongst us may have loved ones who suffer from an illness of some kind, and they watch them struggle or experience pain. Yet the Saabiroon continue with their lives, having patience with their calamities, knowing the inevitability of death for all including those with disease and those without. Even the most physically fit body will undergo the extraction of its soul one day. They rejoice in knowing that calamities are a means through which Allah expiates sins, even more so with chronic illnesses where the pain and suffering is prolonged. With patience and acceptance they remain devoted to Allah, remembering Him often, ever hopeful and longing for the eternal abode amongst gardens beneath which rivers flow.
Similarly Allah may test us with loss of wealth and poverty. Allah may bestow abundant wealth to the believers as a gift from Him. However He may also restrict their wealth as a means to keep them guided. He may enlarge the provisions for the disobedient ones amongst this ummah as a means to keep them misguided in their delusion and love for this world, or He may punish them with poverty and famine so that they may return to His worship. The Sunna of Allah is clear for those who study the Quran. He may test anyone of us with loss of wealth to make known who amongst us was truly grateful and patient, and who amongst us was the slave of the Dirham, Denaar and Dollar. Yet the Saabiroon are patient during times when their wealth is restricted, ever conscious that Allah is observing how they will react. They do not seek what others seek. They seek contentment in the heart and independence from asking others, exercising patience with dignity and honor. Only they can tell you what they feel in their hearts. It is enough for them to know that the righteous poor will be favoured by Allah on a Day when no riches will amount to anything. And it is enough for them to know that the poor will fill the grand dominion, residing within luxurious homes full of numerous delights amidst gardens beneath which rivers flow.
The calamity of the death of a loved one
Narrated Usama bin Zaid: The daughter of the Prophet sent a messenger to the Prophet requesting him to come as her child was dying, but the Prophet returned the messenger and told him to convey his greeting to her and say, ‘Whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives is for Him, and everything with Him has a limited fixed term, and so she should be patient and hope for Allah’s reward.’ She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet got up and so did Sad bin Ubada, Muadh bin Jabal, Ubay bin Ka’b, Zaid bin Thabit and some other men. The child was brought to Allah’s Messenger while his breath was disturbed in his chest. On that the eyes of the Prophet started shedding tears. Sad said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! What is this?’ He replied, ‘It is mercy which Allah has lodged in the hearts of His slaves, and Allah is merciful only to those of His slaves who are merciful.’ (saheeh of bukhaari)
Another calamity through which we are tested is the death of a loved one. Our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahualaihewasallam) experienced the death of his children and grandchildren while they were young. When one of his daughters asked him to see her dying child he reminded her of Allah’s Ruboobiyyah, the need for Sabr and the hope in Allah’s reward. There is great wisdom is the manner our Prophet instructed his daughter. Firstly he reminded his daughter of Allah’s Ruboobiyyah which includes the firm belief that Allah is the one who gives and takes life. His creation belongs to Him and He has decreed a fixed term for every soul. He then continued by instructing her to have Sabr, the heart of the matter, for patience and self control is needed in every calamity, even more so when a mother watches her dying child. He then instructed her to hope in the reward of Allah, placing hope in the heart that Allah will compensate and reward her for her loss if she remains patient with the decree of Allah. His daughter insisted he come, and when he saw the child his eyes began to shed tears out of mercy for the child.
Truly the death of a loved one is a calamity which requires great Sabr. However Sabr is acquired and fortified by the remembrance of Allah, and those who know Allah will be better able to have Sabr. Furthermore crying without wailing does not negate Sabr, for the shedding of tears is natural and a reflection of mercy and love for the one suffering and dying.
Calamity of the harms of people
O you who believe! Be not like those who annoyed Musa (Moses), but Allah cleared him of that which they alleged, and he was honorable before Allah (Quran 33:69 )
Another calamity through which we are tested is the harms and annoyances caused by the people. May Allah have mercy on Musa, for he was greatly troubled and annoyed by his own people. Yet despite this he continued seeking their good. The above verse is in reference to an event which befell Musa. Due to his Hayaa, he would not be seen except properly covered with modesty, shyness and self respect. The Children of Israa’eel circulated rumors that he had some form of bodily defect. They did not stop to consider that they were spreading lies about the Prophet of Allah who they fully accepted and acknowledged as such. Allah cleared him by inspiring the rock to move away with his clothes while his was bathing. Musa chased after the rock, retrieving his clothes and beating the rock for causing him to appear without clothes before the people. However Allah wished to expose the lies and rumors, and the Children of Israa’eel witnessed their Prophet in the best of physical form. May Allah have mercy on Musa.
Many Muslims have been affected by the statements and actions of people causing much grief and hardship. Some may have been mocked and verbally abused by those who disbelieve. Others may have been reported to the authorites for crimes they never committed nor possibly conceived. Others may have been harmed and troubled by fellow Muslims. Many of us may have experienced feelings of hurt, annoyance and anger, even more so when people harming us were fellow Muslims. Rumors and lies may have been spread; premature assumptions may have been made; backbitting and slandering may have spread. Yet the Saabiroon continue with the worship of Allah, protecting their Emaan and asking Allah to bring comfort and ease to their hearts. However the Saabiroon are not foolish, nor do they expose themselves to unnecessary Fitan. They are careful in their speach, actions and activities whether in the home or outside. The house of the Muslimah should be full of Sabr from the hurtful statements and actions of family members. Although there are times when true problems exist within the home, many times they are minor annoyances too trivial to have meaning once the emotions are controlled. Such pettiness is not worth getting angry over and losing onesSabr. If our spouse, child or parent does not recieveSabr from us, then who is more deserving of it? Should we have Sabr outside the home and neglect having Sabr within it? Let us all remember that Sabr with the people begins in the home.
Let us all reflect on the meaning of Sabr, together with its different categories and situations that require it. It is enough for us to know that Allah is with the Saabiroon, increasing us in Emaan, guiding us along His path, expiating our sins, and nurturing our characters, bringing our hearts attachment to the Aakhirah and a cleansing of our souls. It is enough for us to know that Jannah is for the Saabiroon, where no calamity will befall, in an eternal peaceful abode amidst gardens beneath which rivers flow.
by Kamillah Khan